On the way home stopped at Knocklofty Reserve - council bushland behind Hobart, looking for the Tawny Frogmouth, alas not home, but I did spy this one with a light snack,
Saturday was another fishing day, not much to add - a nice Buller's Albatross sat at the back of the boat (will post it with the others). Spotted Buller's Shearwater again - no photo for Saturday.
Sunday kicked off my Pelagic season, whilst conditions were very calm (not conducive to getting birds to the boat), we had an epic voyage, with 2 MEGA birds - a single New Zealand Storm Petrel - sadly while I most likely saw the bird, I have no photo, but pop on over to Australian Seabirds and Pelagics Facebook page for a full report and PHOTOS grhh.
The other Mega was an Amsterdam Albatross - a Wandering Albatross species in it's own right. This bird has never (prior to Sunday) been sighted in Tasmanian waters, and less than a handful of times for Australia. Most likely place is South West of Western Australia. It is listed as "critically endangered".
67. Amsterdam Albatross - a Wandering species (no fact sheet), will list as my "Wandering Albatross".
Anyhow, I have photos, a hundred or so, but I won't bore you with them all. ID has now been confirmed I believe. The 2 prominant birders on the boat were both extremely confident at the time. Sadly we could not encourage the bird to land - this would have clinched the ID very early, as it is beleived every individual Amsterdam has been banded on the breeding grounds, Amsterdam Island in the Indian Ocean.
Wow, Dale, those sea birds are stunning and brilliant photographs capped off by a mega sighting, well done! I think you have it down to a fine art now. Love the upgrades too.
All loaded by the names you gave them so Wandering Albatross is still one to add.
"A very birdy 3 days" is something of an understatement, I think :) Brilliant photos Dale and huge congrats on the Mega. That Amsterdam Albatross looks like a happy sort! And the rest of your birds are amazing, Bullers Albatross is an imposing bird indeed.
Have to say I'd never heard of a storm-petrel before today, but they are so cool. Thanks for the introduction!
A few more to add to the tally. I will have a couple more, but am waiting ID confirmation before posting.
Another walk new to me and quite close to home - Kaoota Tramway Track - a disused tramway which was used from 1906 until 1922 to transport coal from the mine in the hills to the nearby port of Margate. Heritage listed. Not much of the original structures left, has had several bushfires go through over the past century.
First up another endemic species.
79. Strong-billed Honeyeater - endemic. This is a juvenille, note the yellow colouring around the neck and on the chest (adult will be white), it also has a orange eye ring, which an adult will not have. Did not see any adult near this bird, there were others, but they remained hidden somewhat.
80. Satin Flycatcher (male) - this had been posted in the area over several weeks, so I decided to have a look - try and get a pic before they head north for the winter. Sadly not great photos, but happy to be able to see. 2nd photo in flight - was too dark to up the shutter speed, so this will have to do. Have had exposure adjusted in post.
82. Wedge-tailed Eagle - my mate has a family which are seen regularly, with the juvenile starting to distance itself from the parents. Unfortunatley, I am not always about when the eagles are there. Happy to get these photos, as it was being harassed by Forest Ravens (2nd photo for size comparison - they were quite close to each other). Hoping to upgrade someday soon.
Wow, Dale, those seabirds! Your photography has come on so much, and its fantastic to see all these amazing birds. Wow, that Amsterdam Albatross! "the world population is estimated at 80 mature individuals and a total of some 130 birds." from Wikipedia - so not only are they vanishingly rare in Australian waters, but unbelievably rare anywhere - what an amazing sighting. A lifer of a lifetime - and you seized the opportunity with some great photos, well done!
The storm petrels are so dainty next to those hulking albatross... and love your Strong-billed Honeyeater pics too.
Wow - lovely shots of the sparrowhawk! By coincidence I also photographed a juvenile sparrowhawk this weekend, and spent a lot of time working out what it was - eventually the squared-off tail convinced me. But my photos nowhere near as good as yours - well done!
Fantastic collections for me to catch up on, thanks Dale. The sparrowhawk gave a superb selection of poses. But the bullers albatross is quite startling and the pick for me.
A terrific series of birds there Dale, thanks for the Tassie endemics, always really interesting to find out which birds you get vs what we see here in Vic given we're "next door" as such. Interesting that the Noisy Miner isn't widespread across Tassie. Love the Black-faced Cormorant, but had not idea you didn't get the Pied Cormorant over there. The Musk Lorikeet shots are awesome! And the Blue-winged Parrots and Eastern Spinebills were super lovely.
I've been dying to ask if you were on the boat when they get the mega too, Facebook is a big blabber mouth, does this mean you were there, and got it??? I'm super excited for you if that's the case!!! Well done!!!
I saw some shearwaters while we were standing on the rocks while I was away and got TERRIBLE photos standing on solid ground, it gave me a new appreciation for your photos taken at sea! It's a real skill. Btw, no one in the pelagic group could decide whether my birds were short-tailed and wedge-tailed, sadly, but the photos were pretty bad.
Thanks for all your kind feedback, there have been some special birds in that lot for me. I am still chasing the endemic Black-headed Honeyeater, the only endemic I am yet to see.
Danika, yes I was on the boat for the mega(s) and would have seen both birds (the NZ Storm Petrel and the Amsterdam Albatross). I do not have any clear enough photos to ID the storm petrel (from my photos, you couldn't seperate it from a Wilson's), and so I don't count it as a "tick" (I like to have a photo as proof of sighting) as a lot of people would (that's a me thing, rather than being critical of others - many don't take photos of anything they see). It was just an awsome day all round, as most of those trips are, this one was just more awsome!
I also require photographic proof of any 'lifers', Dale... so you are not alone. It reassures me that I got it right. So loving the Tassie endemics and the pelagic birds.
Hi Dale, did you see that a suspected Northern Giant Petrel flew in over the Western Treatment Plant (Point Wilson) this week?? Way off target but apparently it was on one of the really windy days.
Check out Chris Cheng on ABID if you're interested, it's kind of cool to see it flying with land in the background compared with your shots where its competely at sea! And of course there's a very interesting discussion going on with the experts about the bird itself!
Hi Dale, did you see that a suspected Northern Giant Petrel flew in over the Western Treatment Plant (Point Wilson) this week?? Way off target but apparently it was on one of the really windy days.
Check out Chris Cheng on ABID if you're interested, it's kind of cool to see it flying with land in the background compared with your shots where its competely at sea! And of course there's a very interesting discussion going on with the experts about the bird itself!
Thanks Danika, I was not previously a member of ABID, but joined today. Certainly a special treat for anyone that sighted it, and I agree it is certainly different to see one over land. NGP is the most common of the Giants I have seen, but still a treat to see them.
This post will only add 1 new bird, but I think the post is worth having a look at. There are (in my opinion) some other upgrades as well.
Late February, I was invited to a Field Naturalist and Birders boat trip to Mewstone, Pedra Branca and Maatsuyker Island, No opportunity to land (when you see the terrain you will see why), as the 1st 2 islands are protected breeding colonies.
Left Southport - 90 minutes south of Hobart at 6am, for a roughly 20 nautical mile steam to Pedra Branca, a small rock island 270 metres long, 100 metres wide and an elevation of 60 metres, which is home to an Australasian Gannet Colony. Approached from the east - via Eddystone, a small pillar jutting out from the Great Southern Ocean - during high swell, this rock is sometimes totally submerged.
Eddystone has an elevation of 30 metres, and is also home to some breeding Australasian Gannets and various gulls. This photo shows Pedra Branca in the background.
We then moved west toward Pedra Branca, as we approached the Gannets came to see what we were doing, possibly trying to ward us off - they were extremely vocal.
Pedra (as it is locally known) is also home to one of the rarest skinks the Pedra Branca Skink, only found on this tiny rock island - believe it or not, they survive on small invertabrates and fish scraps dropped or regurgitated by the birdlife and have the young by live birth.
There was also a large colony of Crested Terns on one corner of Pedra.
From Pedra, about an hours steam to Mewstone, the breeding grounds of the Tasmanian Shy Albatross. On the way over, we saw several shearwater species - Short-tailed, Sooty and Buller's - no photos. There was also a close encounter with a Buller's Albatross - was not going to post photo, but I like this one and another upgrade.
Mewstone was an awasome place, we reckon we saw upward of 400 Shy Albatross chicks, also quite large and loosing the downy feathers. Surprisingly few adults, guess the were off fishing for the young?
This photo is as we depart for Maatsuyker Island, I don't usually do landscape, so almost forgot with the buzz of seeing all the babies!
From here a realtivley short steam to Maatsyuker Island. No new birds, but did get another upgrade - still hoping for better, but it will do for now.
The 1st shot shows the lighthouse and keeper quarters, the light is now fully automated, but there are volunteers who spend 6 months doing weather observations and operating a Marine frequency relay service. As you can see, very difficult terrain. Access is mostly by helicopter now, but there is a landing area (no wharf or jetty) on the opposite side, a long treck home.
What a fantastic day out, Dale. Love the landscape shots as they help to tell the story but love all the birds as well. The seal is pretty cute as well.
Yes, Dale, the weather and seas were good so Alex and I went on a Pelagic tour off Sydney. Thanks for the tips, I was not sea sick and I did manage a few pictures, even the two unexpected birds. Light reflection off the water was a challenge and I probably should have upped the speed more to compensate. Now if I can just sort out the 5 different Shearwaters that were seen... initially I could not tell a Petrel from a Shearwater so steep learning curve before I post.
Awesome post Dale! What a great rip, thanks for taking us along :-) And fantastic to see the Shy Albatross breeding grounds - Sue and I saw and photographed Shy Albatross this weekend, so great timing on learning a bit more about their lifestyles. Nice to get a new tern as well :-)
That was an incredible post Dale, thanks so much for sharing that adventure! So many wonderful photos, I'm glad you did decide to give us a look at the upgrades and scenery shots, so beautiful! Would love to see the White-fronted Tern, and Shy Albatross...must work on my sea legs!
I think I am becoming a bit of a "twitcher" - I have started travelling to target species new to me.
Currently struggling with processing of photos, have had another 3 or 4 decent days over the past 10 or so. Sadly not too many new birds, but there are some lifers for me. You might have to be a little patient for a day or 3. 2500 photos to sort, so lets get started.
Anyway a work in progress and here a few from the 1st day.
Monday 7th March had me up early for a 3 or so hour drive to Launceston and surrounds in the north of Tasmania. 1st stop - Tamar Wetlands - some very good recent sightings here, including this day, but not for me. They include Little Grassbird (lifer), Royal Spoonbills, a single Lewin's Rail (lifer) and some lovely close views of a juvenile Nankeen Night Heron (lifer). Sadly my visit was a little underwhelming. So heres the photos.
85. Australian Shelduck - female on the water, my photo of the male on the water didn't turn out, so you might have to wait til later.
Many other common species at Tamar Wetlands, but nothing any better than I have already posted.
From here onto Grindlewald - a swiss style village on the West Tamar north of Launceston - target species - Blue-billed Duck (lifer I think - can't find any evidence of having seen them before) on the lake. Only the female with her babies this day, hoping for the male at a later stage.
Danika posted her delight at finally getting a Grey Fantail with it's tail fanned - well I finally managed 1 too, WARNING may contain graphic images and some partial nudity - look away or scroll past if your too young.
From here to my favopurite birding spot near Launceston - Queechy Lake Reserve - sometimes birds which are missed at the Tamar Wetlands can be picked up here. A lot of photos from Queechy, but I think they tell a good story.
Queechy Lake Reserve has a very small island at one end of a very small man made lake. 1st photo shows the island, where all four species of cormorant found in Tasmania can be seen (Little Pied, Little Black, Black-faced and Great), and at least 2 of the four have active nests. You can also see how close to human habitat they are (maybe 500metres to the closest house). If you look to the right of the photo, you will see large white birds, more about them shortly.
21. Great Cormorant - nests and chicks - multiple shots to show how close they are to each other. Nest photos heavy crops from maybe 75 metres - no nest disturbance needed. Note the difference in eye colour from adult to chick.
And now for another of my target species for this day.
87. Royal Spoonbill (another of my twitches) - you can almost guarentee seeing these here if they are not at the Tamar Wetland, and sometimes can be at both. A few photos to point out some features (hope that is not too boring).
This photo highlights some differences between adult and juvenile - Adult on the left with the yellow eyelid, redish eye and quite long bill, juvenille "sticking it's beak in" - dark eye and shorter bill and no yellow eyelid.
If you zoom in on the bird losing it's balance, you will note the dark eye and lack of bill pattern (bit hard to see with the foliage) - might find a better photo in the future to show this.
No visit to Launceston is complete without going to Cataract Gorge - apparently the longest single span chairlift in the world. I didn't go for the ride, I went to find these pretties - another of my target species for the day.
88. Indian Peafowl. There is a resident introduced population and they are not confined in anyway to the gorge reserve.
Bandicoot - thinking Southern Brown, can't see enough of it's flanks to see the bars of an Eastern Barred Bandicoot - this was in dark under story, with sun on the head, so not a great photo, but I was happy to see it.
And finally a vist to City Park, was hoping for Rainbow Lorikeet - and introduced feral which is reaking havoc, but one I am yet to photograph - no luck, but I did find a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos and subsequent photos I am happy with.
That concludes this day's adventure, maybe back tomorrow with a couple of exciting "twitches" for more lifers. If not hopefully by Tuesday - my weekend is looking pretty full. Hope you enjoy your weekend and HAPPY BIRDING.
Nice Dale, great to see you getting some good new birds :-) Shelducks are gorgeous! And your Grey Fantail made me laugh - we don't get a lot of R Rated bird photos... So cool to see the pademelons too, love them :-)
Nothing like venturing out further for a new bird or two. I don't think the Grey Fantail was pleased with you, Dale! Love the Spoonbills, Blue-billed Ducklings and Shelducks to name a few. The fauna are also gorgeous creatures.
On reviewing my photos from Launceston, I found a couple I forgot to add, so here goes. I am hoping to put a heap more new birds from another trip up tomorrow, once I finish processing.
89. Musk Duck female - at Queechy Lake Reserve - long way off heavy crop.
Last week I had a few days away, just me and my camera. Wanted to look for some shorebirds, which can be hard to find in the south of Tasmania. Headed off Monday toward Devonport.
Stopped at Wesbury Common, an area maintained by local council, a lovely walk but only 1 new bird.
On to Latrobe to find my accomodation, and then out to the Tasmanian Aboretum at Eugenana, about 15 minutes up the road. Lots of birds sighted a various times, but again nothing for my list. I did find a couple of upgrades/extras.
39. Brown Thornbill - much better shot than my previous.
Back for a short walk at Bell's Parade, Latrobe, hoping for a Nankeen Night Heron - no luck, they have not been reliably sighted since last year, did get another extra.
As I said, my main focus was to be shorebirds, with several Lifers for me sighted recently. So after dinner to line up with the high tide, went to Moorland Beach, got one of my target species - an EBC shot, hoping for better the next day.
92. Ruddy Turnstone - Lifer. It was getting pretty dark, but I didn't want to come away empty handed. This photo has had lots of work to make it viewable, but I was happy.... for now. They are coming into breeding plumage before migration to the Northern Hemisphere.
High tide was for around 0915 the following day, so I got up early and went back. Drove along the track which is right on the beachfront, and was starting to worry the Ruddys had left. I did spot another target species, so stopped for a picture or 200.
93. Banded Lapwing - Lifer - a few photos from over the next hour or 2, as I kept moving to look for other species.
Apparently the Masked Lapwings are the alarm system for the other birds at Moorland Beach - found if I walked the track, all the birds would fly off, but if I drove and left the car running, I could get out and take photos from the track. This next shot was as the Banded Lapwings took flight - horrible photo, but it shows their wing markings nicely.
And then I found the Ruddy Turnstones at the rocky point at the end of the beach, counted 72, but think the were more behind the rocks. The 3rd photo is for size comparison - young Silver Gull behind.
On the same beach in mixed flocks, I found my next bird, not a lifer, but only the 2nd time I had seen them. Initially only saw them when it looked like the seaweed was moving!
94. Red-capped Plover. Got hundreds of decent photos, here a just a few, mostly just to show plumage variation.
In among the Red-capped I found something with different markings and initially thought just another variation of plumage. Took some photos and was pleasantly surprised to have my 3rd lifer for the day, and all before 10am.
96. Sooty Oystercatcher - several birds in pairs or 3's. There were also Australian Pied Oystercatchers, but I can't improve on my last one, so left them out.
Time to head for home, decided to have a rest break at the Queechy Lake Reserve, Launceston. Looking for Pink-eared duck - no luck, but I did find a couple more which might be of interest.
102. Austalasian Grebe - lifer - a failry young bird. Initially thought it was a Hoary Headed, but glad it is not.
Last visit to Launceston found me a female Blue-billed duck with chicks, this day found me a lonely male. Not sure why they are called "Blue-billed" though. And another of the female for comparison (this photo from last week).
Well done, Dale some wonderful photos and how good to find lifers! Hard to pick a favourite but the Ruddy Turnstones are beautiful as are the Banded lapwings and both Red-capped and Double-banded Plovers... then there is the Spoonbill! Moorland Beach is now on my list of places to visit.
Wow - some great birds and photos! Congrts on the century - and so many lifers! I've never photographed the banded lapwings, how lovely to see so many. And cool to see the turnstones turning colour :-) Aren't the little plovers cute? Love how they work the beach. And ya, the masked lapwings are my nemesis - they have scared off SO many interesting birds with their ridiculous alarm calls. Kinda admire their stroppiness though - they will put a magpie to shame with swooping if they feel you are too close. Nice post!
Dale, another great set of photos and birds. Love the Banded Lapwings, only seen them once, and unfortunately didn't have my camera with me. And the shots of the Blue-billed Duck with the reflection is just stunning. Congrats on getting to 100.
Great photos Dale, and great stories too. So glad you found a (lonely) male Blue-Bill to complement your female with chick shot :)
Hmm, I'm flying in to Devonport with the family in May for a lightning visit. We haven't seen my wife's folks in ages because of Covid (they own a tiny dairy farm in Claude Road), so we're popping over to celebrate Sam's 3rd birthday with them. Wonder if I could persuade my wife to grab a coffee after the plane lands, while I check out Moorland Beach? I think the Turnstones will be just about gone by then but it looks a great spot for shorebirds!
Thanks again. It was a great privilege to see so many new birds in such a short period.
Tommy, I did see a post on ABID for Ruddy Turnstone ID request at Port Fairy in Victoria, might be possible for you, before they leave? my limited understanding is they will leave mid-late April. Either way, your still likely to find some nice birds at either Moorland or Pardoe beaches, they are just minutes from each other.
Well done on your century! And so many species I have never seen, including the pademelon, would love to bump into one of those in the bush! We are currently planning Christmas 2023 in Tasmania, I will be taking lots of time to check out the local wildlife, hoping to stay 3 weeks.
Love the Fantail bum Dale! Well done! It's exciting to get the full fan effect on camera, but a real challenge to press the shutter at the right time!!!
You have really outdone yourself with all your birding since I last checked in, just love everything but especially loved the Banded Lapwings, a rarity around here that sometimes turn up at WTP but I haven't seen them for years. The Ruddy Turnstones are great, and thanks for the different shots of the spoonbills, they do have fascinating breeding features.
I loved the cormorant nests and babies, it was brand new for me to find Little Pied Cormorant nests and babies this year as well as Darter nests and babies, so I'm keen to see other species like your Great Cormorants.
Love love love the Yellow-throated Honeyeater and the Firetail...ahh so many birds still to see!
Beautiful Shelduck flight shots, they are so gorgeous in the air. And so cool to see the Blue-billed ducklings.
You've had so many adventures, I've enjoyed them all and can't wait to see more!! I managed to get a Forest Raven last week in Vic that I'll post soon...was pretty pleased with that!
Thanks Danika, I have had a great year so far (both numbers and enjoyment) but think I will run out of birds (without spending lots of time and money looking). Nice you got a Forest Raven, I think they would be in my top 5 most common birds seen, but getting a decent photo can be challenging. Looking forward to more from you as well.
Yes a family trip with the extended family for some big birthdays (80s) and a medium sized birthday (50). I should have plenty of time to get out in nature though. My sister-in-law is keen on doing some hikes. Not exactly sure where we will be going yet, but possibly Hobart for a week, then a week of something with a nature focus, then maybe a seaside resort for Leo for the last week. If you have any recommedations, let me know! I haven't been since I was 12.
Tommy, I did see a post on ABID for Ruddy Turnstone ID request at Port Fairy in Victoria, might be possible for you, before they leave? my limited understanding is they will leave mid-late April. Either way, your still likely to find some nice birds at either Moorland or Pardoe beaches, they are just minutes from each other.
Thanks Dale... sadly I don't think I'll be able to get over to Port Fairy any time soon. But I'm still thinking about Moorland Beach when we head over... might have to see what I can arrange!
Have had a couple of trips since last posting, but not had time to process. It will be a work in progress over the next couple of days I think.
20th March had me on another Pelagic, a reasonably quiet day, no new birds for the year list, but a couple of nice pics (in my opinion).
77. Wilson's Storm Petrel - there were many of these, White-faced and Grey-backed Storm Petrels on the day. When I get sorted a bit better, will try and put a group of pics in Best Photos.
I have had a very birdy 3 days, so here we go.
Gould's Lagoon north of Hobart is always good for a few easy numbers. Leisurely stroll over an hour or so.
58. Chestnut Teal - rather wet and greasy looking male, was actively feeding, followed by a charming female.
59. Grey Teal - a few of these about.
And then a handsome couple (I think).
On the ducky theme,
60. Australasian Shoveler, female I think, couldn't spot Mr.
61. Eastern Rosella.
62. Spotted Dove.
63. Autralasian Purple Swamphen (listed here as Purple Swamphen).
64. Black Swan, always a beautiful bird.
.
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) by Dale Watson, on Flickr
65. Black-fronted Dotterel.
On the way home stopped at Knocklofty Reserve - council bushland behind Hobart, looking for the Tawny Frogmouth, alas not home, but I did spy this one with a light snack,
66. Grey Currawong.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Saturday was another fishing day, not much to add - a nice Buller's Albatross sat at the back of the boat (will post it with the others). Spotted Buller's Shearwater again - no photo for Saturday.
Sunday kicked off my Pelagic season, whilst conditions were very calm (not conducive to getting birds to the boat), we had an epic voyage, with 2 MEGA birds - a single New Zealand Storm Petrel - sadly while I most likely saw the bird, I have no photo, but pop on over to Australian Seabirds and Pelagics Facebook page for a full report and PHOTOS grhh.
The other Mega was an Amsterdam Albatross - a Wandering Albatross species in it's own right. This bird has never (prior to Sunday) been sighted in Tasmanian waters, and less than a handful of times for Australia. Most likely place is South West of Western Australia. It is listed as "critically endangered".
67. Amsterdam Albatross - a Wandering species (no fact sheet), will list as my "Wandering Albatross".
Anyhow, I have photos, a hundred or so, but I won't bore you with them all. ID has now been confirmed I believe. The 2 prominant birders on the boat were both extremely confident at the time. Sadly we could not encourage the bird to land - this would have clinched the ID very early, as it is beleived every individual Amsterdam has been banded on the breeding grounds, Amsterdam Island in the Indian Ocean.
So here goes Sunday's photos.
67. Amsterdam Albatross.
And now back to the main program.
68. (Indian) Yellow-nosed Albatross.
69. Buller's Albatross.
70. Shy Albatross.
71. Southern Royal Albatross (fact sheet only for Royal).
72. Australsian Gannet, with his friends the Silver Gull and Black-faced Cormorant.
73. Mottled Petrel - 121 sighted for the day, maybe a new record for Tasmania.
74. Gould's Petrel.
75. Cook's Petrel.
76. Grey-backed Storm Petrel - storm petrels are so tiny, and hard to get good photos of.
77. Wilson's Storm Petrel.
Like this one with the relflection.
78. Northern Giant Petrel.
And now for some upgrades (in my opinion better photos).
1. Buller's Shearwater.
Like this one with the sun glowing.
6. White-faced Petrel - these put on quite a show and very close, but ohhh so fast.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
WOW, Dale your photos are stunning thanks! What amazing set of birds! Makes me even more want to do a Pelagic trip!
Wow, Dale, those sea birds are stunning and brilliant photographs capped off by a mega sighting, well done! I think you have it down to a fine art now. Love the upgrades too.
All loaded by the names you gave them so Wandering Albatross is still one to add.
"A very birdy 3 days" is something of an understatement, I think :) Brilliant photos Dale and huge congrats on the Mega. That Amsterdam Albatross looks like a happy sort! And the rest of your birds are amazing, Bullers Albatross is an imposing bird indeed.
Have to say I'd never heard of a storm-petrel before today, but they are so cool. Thanks for the introduction!
A few more to add to the tally. I will have a couple more, but am waiting ID confirmation before posting.
Another walk new to me and quite close to home - Kaoota Tramway Track - a disused tramway which was used from 1906 until 1922 to transport coal from the mine in the hills to the nearby port of Margate. Heritage listed. Not much of the original structures left, has had several bushfires go through over the past century.
First up another endemic species.
79. Strong-billed Honeyeater - endemic. This is a juvenille, note the yellow colouring around the neck and on the chest (adult will be white), it also has a orange eye ring, which an adult will not have. Did not see any adult near this bird, there were others, but they remained hidden somewhat.
80. Satin Flycatcher (male) - this had been posted in the area over several weeks, so I decided to have a look - try and get a pic before they head north for the winter. Sadly not great photos, but happy to be able to see. 2nd photo in flight - was too dark to up the shutter speed, so this will have to do. Have had exposure adjusted in post.
81. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo - this pair was litteraly destroying the upper branches of an acacia, presumably looking for food.
Female
Male with the pink eye ring.
And the 2 together for a brief moment before they left the scene.
82. Wedge-tailed Eagle - my mate has a family which are seen regularly, with the juvenile starting to distance itself from the parents. Unfortunatley, I am not always about when the eagles are there. Happy to get these photos, as it was being harassed by Forest Ravens (2nd photo for size comparison - they were quite close to each other). Hoping to upgrade someday soon.
And now a few extras.
My recent Silvereye at 53, was hidden. This one was feeding a youngster, and was not afraid of my presence.
Grey Shrike-thrush 43. in more natural surroundings.
Scarlet Robin - male 54.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Nice photos Dale. Love the shots of the Strong-billed Honeyeater.
Some striking pics Dale. Agreed, that Strong-Billed Honeyeater looks very cool. And I love the Silvereye upgrades.
Wow, Dale, those seabirds! Your photography has come on so much, and its fantastic to see all these amazing birds. Wow, that Amsterdam Albatross! "the world population is estimated at 80 mature individuals and a total of some 130 birds." from Wikipedia - so not only are they vanishingly rare in Australian waters, but unbelievably rare anywhere - what an amazing sighting. A lifer of a lifetime - and you seized the opportunity with some great photos, well done!
The storm petrels are so dainty next to those hulking albatross... and love your Strong-billed Honeyeater pics too.
Love that Strong-billed Honeyeater, Dale, some beautiful shots.
Think I may have forgotten to thank you all for comments on an earlier post, so thank you all. You give me the encouragement to continue.
I was awaiting ID on 3 birds to be confirmed, 2 of which I have already posted, but this one is new for the year.
Kaoota Tramway Track, a lovely little raptor.
83. Collared Sparrow-hawk, I believe is a juvenile.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Great capture of the Sparrowhawk, Dale.... always a challenge to separate from a Brown Goshawk.
Wow - lovely shots of the sparrowhawk! By coincidence I also photographed a juvenile sparrowhawk this weekend, and spent a lot of time working out what it was - eventually the squared-off tail convinced me. But my photos nowhere near as good as yours - well done!
Fantastic collections for me to catch up on, thanks Dale. The sparrowhawk gave a superb selection of poses. But the bullers albatross is quite startling and the pick for me.
Wow Dale, what amazing captures of the Sparrow-hawk. Congrats!
A terrific series of birds there Dale, thanks for the Tassie endemics, always really interesting to find out which birds you get vs what we see here in Vic given we're "next door" as such. Interesting that the Noisy Miner isn't widespread across Tassie. Love the Black-faced Cormorant, but had not idea you didn't get the Pied Cormorant over there. The Musk Lorikeet shots are awesome! And the Blue-winged Parrots and Eastern Spinebills were super lovely.
I've been dying to ask if you were on the boat when they get the mega too, Facebook is a big blabber mouth, does this mean you were there, and got it??? I'm super excited for you if that's the case!!! Well done!!!
I saw some shearwaters while we were standing on the rocks while I was away and got TERRIBLE photos standing on solid ground, it gave me a new appreciation for your photos taken at sea! It's a real skill. Btw, no one in the pelagic group could decide whether my birds were short-tailed and wedge-tailed, sadly, but the photos were pretty bad.
Thanks for all your kind feedback, there have been some special birds in that lot for me. I am still chasing the endemic Black-headed Honeyeater, the only endemic I am yet to see.
Danika, yes I was on the boat for the mega(s) and would have seen both birds (the NZ Storm Petrel and the Amsterdam Albatross). I do not have any clear enough photos to ID the storm petrel (from my photos, you couldn't seperate it from a Wilson's), and so I don't count it as a "tick" (I like to have a photo as proof of sighting) as a lot of people would (that's a me thing, rather than being critical of others - many don't take photos of anything they see). It was just an awsome day all round, as most of those trips are, this one was just more awsome!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
I also require photographic proof of any 'lifers', Dale... so you are not alone. It reassures me that I got it right. So loving the Tassie endemics and the pelagic birds.
Yep, I'm not good enough at ID on the wing to rely on memory, so I have to have photos before claiming a new bird too.
Great photos of the Collared Sparrow-Hawk Dale. That third shot is a beauty indeed :)
Hi Dale, did you see that a suspected Northern Giant Petrel flew in over the Western Treatment Plant (Point Wilson) this week?? Way off target but apparently it was on one of the really windy days.
Check out Chris Cheng on ABID if you're interested, it's kind of cool to see it flying with land in the background compared with your shots where its competely at sea! And of course there's a very interesting discussion going on with the experts about the bird itself!
Hi Dale, did you see that a suspected Northern Giant Petrel flew in over the Western Treatment Plant (Point Wilson) this week?? Way off target but apparently it was on one of the really windy days.
Check out Chris Cheng on ABID if you're interested, it's kind of cool to see it flying with land in the background compared with your shots where its competely at sea! And of course there's a very interesting discussion going on with the experts about the bird itself!
Thanks Danika, I was not previously a member of ABID, but joined today. Certainly a special treat for anyone that sighted it, and I agree it is certainly different to see one over land. NGP is the most common of the Giants I have seen, but still a treat to see them.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks Tommy, it was a special sighting for me, and happy that it played ball and posed nicely.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
This post will only add 1 new bird, but I think the post is worth having a look at. There are (in my opinion) some other upgrades as well.
Late February, I was invited to a Field Naturalist and Birders boat trip to Mewstone, Pedra Branca and Maatsuyker Island, No opportunity to land (when you see the terrain you will see why), as the 1st 2 islands are protected breeding colonies.
Left Southport - 90 minutes south of Hobart at 6am, for a roughly 20 nautical mile steam to Pedra Branca, a small rock island 270 metres long, 100 metres wide and an elevation of 60 metres, which is home to an Australasian Gannet Colony. Approached from the east - via Eddystone, a small pillar jutting out from the Great Southern Ocean - during high swell, this rock is sometimes totally submerged.
Eddystone has an elevation of 30 metres, and is also home to some breeding Australasian Gannets and various gulls. This photo shows Pedra Branca in the background.
The top of Eddystone.
We then moved west toward Pedra Branca, as we approached the Gannets came to see what we were doing, possibly trying to ward us off - they were extremely vocal.
Pedra (as it is locally known) is also home to one of the rarest skinks the Pedra Branca Skink, only found on this tiny rock island - believe it or not, they survive on small invertabrates and fish scraps dropped or regurgitated by the birdlife and have the young by live birth.
72. Australsian Gannet.
And now a shot of a small section of the colony - 2nd is heavily cropped to show somewhat large chicks maybe, fledging in the next month or so.
We circled Pedra for about an hour and I was lucky enough to find a new bird for my list.
84. White-fronted Tern, there was a pair.
There was also a large colony of Crested Terns on one corner of Pedra.
From Pedra, about an hours steam to Mewstone, the breeding grounds of the Tasmanian Shy Albatross. On the way over, we saw several shearwater species - Short-tailed, Sooty and Buller's - no photos. There was also a close encounter with a Buller's Albatross - was not going to post photo, but I like this one and another upgrade.
69. Buller's Albatross.
Mewstone was an awasome place, we reckon we saw upward of 400 Shy Albatross chicks, also quite large and loosing the downy feathers. Surprisingly few adults, guess the were off fishing for the young?
This photo is as we depart for Maatsuyker Island, I don't usually do landscape, so almost forgot with the buzz of seeing all the babies!
And now for some babies!
70. Shy Albatross colony - pretty inhospitable terrain.
From here a realtivley short steam to Maatsyuker Island. No new birds, but did get another upgrade - still hoping for better, but it will do for now.
The 1st shot shows the lighthouse and keeper quarters, the light is now fully automated, but there are volunteers who spend 6 months doing weather observations and operating a Marine frequency relay service. As you can see, very difficult terrain. Access is mostly by helicopter now, but there is a landing area (no wharf or jetty) on the opposite side, a long treck home.
Only excitement bird wise was a visit form the resident Wedge-tailed Eagle, so a couple of bonus photos.
82. Wedge-tailed Eagle.
No visit to any offshore island is complete withou seeing seals, so here is another non birdy shot!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
What a fantastic day out, Dale. Love the landscape shots as they help to tell the story but love all the birds as well. The seal is pretty cute as well.
Thanks Sue. Eagerly awaiting your pelagic photos, today, if I am not mistaken?
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Yes, Dale, the weather and seas were good so Alex and I went on a Pelagic tour off Sydney. Thanks for the tips, I was not sea sick and I did manage a few pictures, even the two unexpected birds. Light reflection off the water was a challenge and I probably should have upped the speed more to compensate. Now if I can just sort out the 5 different Shearwaters that were seen... initially I could not tell a Petrel from a Shearwater so steep learning curve before I post.
Awesome post Dale! What a great rip, thanks for taking us along :-) And fantastic to see the Shy Albatross breeding grounds - Sue and I saw and photographed Shy Albatross this weekend, so great timing on learning a bit more about their lifestyles. Nice to get a new tern as well :-)
That was an incredible post Dale, thanks so much for sharing that adventure! So many wonderful photos, I'm glad you did decide to give us a look at the upgrades and scenery shots, so beautiful! Would love to see the White-fronted Tern, and Shy Albatross...must work on my sea legs!
Love seeing your photos Dale, looks like another amazing trip!
Again I thank you all for your kind comments.
I think I am becoming a bit of a "twitcher" - I have started travelling to target species new to me.
Currently struggling with processing of photos, have had another 3 or 4 decent days over the past 10 or so. Sadly not too many new birds, but there are some lifers for me. You might have to be a little patient for a day or 3. 2500 photos to sort, so lets get started.
Anyway a work in progress and here a few from the 1st day.
Monday 7th March had me up early for a 3 or so hour drive to Launceston and surrounds in the north of Tasmania. 1st stop - Tamar Wetlands - some very good recent sightings here, including this day, but not for me. They include Little Grassbird (lifer), Royal Spoonbills, a single Lewin's Rail (lifer) and some lovely close views of a juvenile Nankeen Night Heron (lifer). Sadly my visit was a little underwhelming. So heres the photos.
85. Australian Shelduck - female on the water, my photo of the male on the water didn't turn out, so you might have to wait til later.
But then they took flight, and I ended up a happy chappy.
This little cutie appeared on the track.
Tasmanian Pademelon - love the sun making it's ears look translucent.
Many other common species at Tamar Wetlands, but nothing any better than I have already posted.
From here onto Grindlewald - a swiss style village on the West Tamar north of Launceston - target species - Blue-billed Duck (lifer I think - can't find any evidence of having seen them before) on the lake. Only the female with her babies this day, hoping for the male at a later stage.
86. Blue-billed duck - lifer.
Danika posted her delight at finally getting a Grey Fantail with it's tail fanned - well I finally managed 1 too, WARNING may contain graphic images and some partial nudity - look away or scroll past if your too young.
51. Grey Fantail.
From here to my favopurite birding spot near Launceston - Queechy Lake Reserve - sometimes birds which are missed at the Tamar Wetlands can be picked up here. A lot of photos from Queechy, but I think they tell a good story.
Queechy Lake Reserve has a very small island at one end of a very small man made lake. 1st photo shows the island, where all four species of cormorant found in Tasmania can be seen (Little Pied, Little Black, Black-faced and Great), and at least 2 of the four have active nests. You can also see how close to human habitat they are (maybe 500metres to the closest house). If you look to the right of the photo, you will see large white birds, more about them shortly.
21. Great Cormorant - nests and chicks - multiple shots to show how close they are to each other. Nest photos heavy crops from maybe 75 metres - no nest disturbance needed. Note the difference in eye colour from adult to chick.
And now for another of my target species for this day.
87. Royal Spoonbill (another of my twitches) - you can almost guarentee seeing these here if they are not at the Tamar Wetland, and sometimes can be at both. A few photos to point out some features (hope that is not too boring).
This photo highlights some differences between adult and juvenile - Adult on the left with the yellow eyelid, redish eye and quite long bill, juvenille "sticking it's beak in" - dark eye and shorter bill and no yellow eyelid.
Adult with some remnant breeding plumage sticking out, you will also note a somewhat ornate patern on the upper bill, the juveniles won't show this
If you zoom in on the bird losing it's balance, you will note the dark eye and lack of bill pattern (bit hard to see with the foliage) - might find a better photo in the future to show this.
No visit to Launceston is complete without going to Cataract Gorge - apparently the longest single span chairlift in the world. I didn't go for the ride, I went to find these pretties - another of my target species for the day.
88. Indian Peafowl. There is a resident introduced population and they are not confined in anyway to the gorge reserve.
Male in his non-breeding splendour.
Female with chick in tow.
And a couple of furries for fun.
Another Tasmanian Pademelon
Bennetts Wallaby (aka Red-necked Wallaby, although I think ours is a Tasmanian ssp.)
Bandicoot - thinking Southern Brown, can't see enough of it's flanks to see the bars of an Eastern Barred Bandicoot - this was in dark under story, with sun on the head, so not a great photo, but I was happy to see it.
And finally a vist to City Park, was hoping for Rainbow Lorikeet - and introduced feral which is reaking havoc, but one I am yet to photograph - no luck, but I did find a pair of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos and subsequent photos I am happy with.
81, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo.
This lady took flight unexpectedly, so I have chopped of her wings, but she landed near by.
That concludes this day's adventure, maybe back tomorrow with a couple of exciting "twitches" for more lifers. If not hopefully by Tuesday - my weekend is looking pretty full. Hope you enjoy your weekend and HAPPY BIRDING.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Nice Dale, great to see you getting some good new birds :-) Shelducks are gorgeous! And your Grey Fantail made me laugh - we don't get a lot of R Rated bird photos... So cool to see the pademelons too, love them :-)
Nothing like venturing out further for a new bird or two. I don't think the Grey Fantail was pleased with you, Dale! Love the Spoonbills, Blue-billed Ducklings and Shelducks to name a few. The fauna are also gorgeous creatures.
Great set of photos Dale. Love the little family of Blue-billed Ducks. And love your non-bird photos too.
Thanks again for your kind comments.
On reviewing my photos from Launceston, I found a couple I forgot to add, so here goes. I am hoping to put a heap more new birds from another trip up tomorrow, once I finish processing.
89. Musk Duck female - at Queechy Lake Reserve - long way off heavy crop.
90. Hardhead female again a long way off.
and a couple of upgrades, just because I can.
63. Australasian Purple Swamhen.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Last week I had a few days away, just me and my camera. Wanted to look for some shorebirds, which can be hard to find in the south of Tasmania. Headed off Monday toward Devonport.
Stopped at Wesbury Common, an area maintained by local council, a lovely walk but only 1 new bird.
91. Grey Buthcherbird.
On to Latrobe to find my accomodation, and then out to the Tasmanian Aboretum at Eugenana, about 15 minutes up the road. Lots of birds sighted a various times, but again nothing for my list. I did find a couple of upgrades/extras.
39. Brown Thornbill - much better shot than my previous.
85. Australian Shelduck - male in flight the week before, got this nice looking fella on the land.
Back for a short walk at Bell's Parade, Latrobe, hoping for a Nankeen Night Heron - no luck, they have not been reliably sighted since last year, did get another extra.
42. Laughing Kookaburra.
As I said, my main focus was to be shorebirds, with several Lifers for me sighted recently. So after dinner to line up with the high tide, went to Moorland Beach, got one of my target species - an EBC shot, hoping for better the next day.
92. Ruddy Turnstone - Lifer. It was getting pretty dark, but I didn't want to come away empty handed. This photo has had lots of work to make it viewable, but I was happy.... for now. They are coming into breeding plumage before migration to the Northern Hemisphere.
High tide was for around 0915 the following day, so I got up early and went back. Drove along the track which is right on the beachfront, and was starting to worry the Ruddys had left. I did spot another target species, so stopped for a picture or 200.
93. Banded Lapwing - Lifer - a few photos from over the next hour or 2, as I kept moving to look for other species.
Banded Lapwing (Vanellus tricolor)
by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Apparently the Masked Lapwings are the alarm system for the other birds at Moorland Beach - found if I walked the track, all the birds would fly off, but if I drove and left the car running, I could get out and take photos from the track. This next shot was as the Banded Lapwings took flight - horrible photo, but it shows their wing markings nicely.
A few upgrades as well.
8. Pacific Gull - 2 adults and a juvenile.
And then I found the Ruddy Turnstones at the rocky point at the end of the beach, counted 72, but think the were more behind the rocks. The 3rd photo is for size comparison - young Silver Gull behind.
On the same beach in mixed flocks, I found my next bird, not a lifer, but only the 2nd time I had seen them. Initially only saw them when it looked like the seaweed was moving!
94. Red-capped Plover. Got hundreds of decent photos, here a just a few, mostly just to show plumage variation.
In among the Red-capped I found something with different markings and initially thought just another variation of plumage. Took some photos and was pleasantly surprised to have my 3rd lifer for the day, and all before 10am.
95. Double-banded Plover - lifer.
Some other shorebirds were also present.
96. Sooty Oystercatcher - several birds in pairs or 3's. There were also Australian Pied Oystercatchers, but I can't improve on my last one, so left them out.
Had not realised I haven't posted a Masked Lapwing yet, so I managed to get one of the Alarm Birds, as it took flight. .
97. Masked Lapwing.
Finished up at the beach as the tide was going out, moved on to Don Reserve, and area which is rich in birdlife - a few new species to add.
98 Beautiful Firetail.
99 New Holland Honeyeater.
100. Little Wattlebird.
An upgrade for Forest Raven, this one a young bird, has not developed the nice eye colour yet.
From Don reserve on to the Fernglades near Burnie. Wrong time of day, but a couple of upgrades, 2 endemics for your enjoyment.
44. Tasmanian Thornbill, only 1 photo but I was pretty happy with it.
34. Yellow-throated Honeyeater.
On my way back to Latrobe, stopped off at Devonport, near the Mersey Bluff and found some birds having a feed, occasionaly taking flight,
101. Galah.
Next day had me on a Birding Cruise up the Leven River, lots of the usual estuarine species, nothing special, but a couple of nice photos in the rain.
23. Little Pied Cormorant - does not look happy at all!
32. White-faced Heron - I like the mood of this photo.
31. White-bellied Sea Eagle, again a bit forlorn looking in the wet.
Time to head for home, decided to have a rest break at the Queechy Lake Reserve, Launceston. Looking for Pink-eared duck - no luck, but I did find a couple more which might be of interest.
102. Austalasian Grebe - lifer - a failry young bird. Initially thought it was a Hoary Headed, but glad it is not.
Last visit to Launceston found me a female Blue-billed duck with chicks, this day found me a lonely male. Not sure why they are called "Blue-billed" though. And another of the female for comparison (this photo from last week).
86. Blue-billed Duck.
Sorry couldn't resist, found a Grey Fantail, which perched niceley for about a minute, again Queechy Lake Reserve.
51. Grey Fantail.
Last but not least, 2 photos to show the difference in the Royal Spoonbill's bill, adult from last week, young bird from this trip.
87. Royal Spoonbill.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Well done, Dale some wonderful photos and how good to find lifers! Hard to pick a favourite but the Ruddy Turnstones are beautiful as are the Banded lapwings and both Red-capped and Double-banded Plovers... then there is the Spoonbill! Moorland Beach is now on my list of places to visit.
Love the blue-billed duck family and all those fabulous lifers! Congrats Dale.
Wow - some great birds and photos! Congrts on the century - and so many lifers! I've never photographed the banded lapwings, how lovely to see so many. And cool to see the turnstones turning colour :-) Aren't the little plovers cute? Love how they work the beach. And ya, the masked lapwings are my nemesis - they have scared off SO many interesting birds with their ridiculous alarm calls. Kinda admire their stroppiness though - they will put a magpie to shame with swooping if they feel you are too close. Nice post!
Dale, another great set of photos and birds. Love the Banded Lapwings, only seen them once, and unfortunately didn't have my camera with me. And the shots of the Blue-billed Duck with the reflection is just stunning. Congrats on getting to 100.
Great photos Dale, and great stories too. So glad you found a (lonely) male Blue-Bill to complement your female with chick shot :)
Hmm, I'm flying in to Devonport with the family in May for a lightning visit. We haven't seen my wife's folks in ages because of Covid (they own a tiny dairy farm in Claude Road), so we're popping over to celebrate Sam's 3rd birthday with them. Wonder if I could persuade my wife to grab a coffee after the plane lands, while I check out Moorland Beach? I think the Turnstones will be just about gone by then but it looks a great spot for shorebirds!
Thanks again. It was a great privilege to see so many new birds in such a short period.
Tommy, I did see a post on ABID for Ruddy Turnstone ID request at Port Fairy in Victoria, might be possible for you, before they leave?
my limited understanding is they will leave mid-late April. Either way, your still likely to find some nice birds at either Moorland or Pardoe beaches, they are just minutes from each other.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Well done on your century! And so many species I have never seen, including the pademelon, would love to bump into one of those in the bush! We are currently planning Christmas 2023 in Tasmania, I will be taking lots of time to check out the local wildlife, hoping to stay 3 weeks.
Love the Fantail bum Dale! Well done! It's exciting to get the full fan effect on camera, but a real challenge to press the shutter at the right time!!!
You have really outdone yourself with all your birding since I last checked in, just love everything but especially loved the Banded Lapwings, a rarity around here that sometimes turn up at WTP but I haven't seen them for years. The Ruddy Turnstones are great, and thanks for the different shots of the spoonbills, they do have fascinating breeding features.
I loved the cormorant nests and babies, it was brand new for me to find Little Pied Cormorant nests and babies this year as well as Darter nests and babies, so I'm keen to see other species like your Great Cormorants.
Love love love the Yellow-throated Honeyeater and the Firetail...ahh so many birds still to see!
Beautiful Shelduck flight shots, they are so gorgeous in the air. And so cool to see the Blue-billed ducklings.
You've had so many adventures, I've enjoyed them all and can't wait to see more!! I managed to get a Forest Raven last week in Vic that I'll post soon...was pretty pleased with that!
Thanks Karen, you can squeeze a fair bit of Tassie in with 3 weeks. Guessing it will be a family trip with the camera along for just in case?
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks Danika, I have had a great year so far (both numbers and enjoyment) but think I will run out of birds (without spending lots of time and money looking). Nice you got a Forest Raven, I think they would be in my top 5 most common birds seen, but getting a decent photo can be challenging. Looking forward to more from you as well.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Yes a family trip with the extended family for some big birthdays (80s) and a medium sized birthday (50). I should have plenty of time to get out in nature though. My sister-in-law is keen on doing some hikes. Not exactly sure where we will be going yet, but possibly Hobart for a week, then a week of something with a nature focus, then maybe a seaside resort for Leo for the last week. If you have any recommedations, let me know! I haven't been since I was 12.
Thanks Dale... sadly I don't think I'll be able to get over to Port Fairy any time soon. But I'm still thinking about Moorland Beach when we head over... might have to see what I can arrange!
Have had a couple of trips since last posting, but not had time to process. It will be a work in progress over the next couple of days I think.
20th March had me on another Pelagic, a reasonably quiet day, no new birds for the year list, but a couple of nice pics (in my opinion).
77. Wilson's Storm Petrel - there were many of these, White-faced and Grey-backed Storm Petrels on the day. When I get sorted a bit better, will try and put a group of pics in Best Photos.
69. Buller's Albatross - a very dark headed speciman.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Pages